SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION

1. SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION Bellringer: Do you prefer to work in groups or alone? Write down the pro’s and con’s when working in a group.

2. 5 Steps to Solving Problems: • 1st Step – DEFINE THE PROBLEM This involves answering basic questions about the problem such as the following: What is the specific problem? Where is the problem? When did the problem start? Who is involved in the problem

3. Continued: • 2nd Step – ANALYZE THE PROBLEM The typical questions in this step are: What is the cause of the problem? What is the result of the problem? What methods are being used now to deal with the problem?

4. Continued: • 3rd Step – PROPOSE SOLUTIONS This is generally a brainstorming session, where participants throw out ideas quickly without critiquing them.

5. Continued: • 4th Step – EVALUATE THE PROPOSED SOLUTIONS They examine each of the proposed solutions in detail and list the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. They look at short-term and long-term effects of the solution.

6. Continued: • 5th Step – SELECT ONE SOLUTION (BEST) If the group has done a thorough job in the previous steps, they should have enough information to make a final decision. They will have to compare the ease of implementation and overall effect of the various solutions.

7. DECISION MAKING METHODS: • CONSENSUS – • All members support a decision • Win-Win situation • MAJORITY – • Most members of the group make the decision • Democratic decision • Win-Lose situation

8. Continued: • MINORITY – • A few members make a decision for all • COMPROMISE – • Given the diversity of opinions, individuals give up something so the group can come to a best solution • Lose-Lose Situation

9. Continued: • EXPERT – • The perceived expert is given power to make decisions • AUTHORITY – • One person makes a decision for all • Usually the Leader of the group